Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia secondary to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a rare occurrence that is known to occur in young adults with no recent hospitalization. It is known to present with hemoptysis and is usually associated with concomitant influenza infection and is classically diagnosed by sputum culture or broncheoalvolar lavage. Routine treatment of community-acquired pneumonia does not suffice in the event of MRSA growth, and, if left untreated, can develop into serious medical complications of sepsis, multiloculated fluid collections, and multiorgan failure. In the southwestern region, particularly between the two predominantly Hispanic cities of El Paso and Las Cruces, there has been an increased incidence of MRSA strains isolated. This case report highlights the importance of identifying MRSA pneumonia in a clinical setting, particularly in southwestern regions.